John worked as a Facilities Manager at Molex for 38 years before retiring several years ago. John was a Vietnam Era Navy Veteran who proudly served between 1967 and 1972 aboard the USS Durham, USS Peoria, and USS Bon Homme Richard.
John was an avid history buff, military and firearms expert, and loved target, trap and skeet shooting, and fishing. He was also the proud owner of a Harley Davidson motorcycle and one of his favorite of many adventures was attending the annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis, ND in 2013 with his son, brother and nephew. As a child he was a working model in New York City, appearing in many ads and on the cover of Time Magazine. His most cherished memories include time spent with his children and grandchildren, the proudest Papa to all. John was a well-loved, fun loving and hard-working man who loved to cook and enjoyed fine dining. He was the oldest of seven siblings, and still retains many friendships from his days growing up in Northvale, New Jersey. He settled in the Chicago area after his release from the Navy.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Madeline Simons, his brother Peter Simons, and daughter in law Kelly Simons. Survived by his wife Michele, children John Simons, Jason Penick, Jessica Penick, Jennifer (Josh) Simons, and Jamie (Brandon) Taylor, and his eleven grandchildren Matthew Penick, Hailey Penick, Ariella Penick, Julianna Warcholek, Brianna Maniates, Alexander Maniates, Aayden Maniates, Chase Maniates, Dustin Taylor, Jeffrey Taylor, David Taylor, and John’s siblings Paul Simons, Michael (Monica) Simons, MaryAnne (Ralph) Tagliaferro, Maureen (John) Ronan, James (Nicole) Simons, and was “Crazy Uncle John” to many nieces, nephews and other extended family.
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